The fall might be the only time of year when the weather starts getting cooler, but people in Cincinnati spend the entire year being totally cool. Here’s a list of 50 reasons* why the Queen City is cooler than ever this fall.
*In no particular order. Be cool, man!

This month offers plenty of opportunities to ring in fall the good old-fashioned Pagan way by feasting on the harvest and communing with friends and neighbors. First off, Imago, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that supports sustainable living, is offering farm shares for a mere $160 — 10 weeks of fresh, organic veggies that includes a commitment to volunteer in the garden for two hours a week.

After picking up some hot sandwiches at the new World Food Bar at Findlay Market (1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-342-1968), the only sounds emanating from our table were “mmm … mmmm” followed by: “Holy shit. Let’s go tell everyone how good this is.” It’s not surprising that the food was excellent, knowing chef/owner Joshua Campbell’s extensive background working in some of the finest restaurants in Cincinnati, Florida and the Bahamas.

Big Business tries 'local washing' to mislead consumers

Hoping to capitalize on growing public enthusiasm for all things local, some of the world's biggest corporations are brashly laying claim to the word "local." This new variation on corporate "green washing" — local washing — is, like the "buy local" movement itself, most advanced in the context of food. Even Wal-Mart is getting in on the act, hanging bright green banners over its produce aisles that simply say "Local."

You can get what you want, if you’re willing to look

People throw away lots of perfectly good things every day. But there are other people who believe that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and they’re always on the lookout for usable items consigned to the garbage heap. The junk man who drives though neighborhoods on garbage night is often looking for metal to sell at a recycling center.

Let me preface this by saying that I’m in no way a “food snob.” There is nothing in the world I enjoy more than a local hole-in-the-wall restaurant of quality, but I have to comment on Lora Arduser’s take on AmerAsia in Covington (“Asian Haven,” issue of April 29). My husband and I were pumped about giving this restaurant a try and found the opportunity to do so last Monday when one of our local faves, Riverside Korean (directly across the street), was closed.

Restaurants serve important functions in society in addition to serving us food. We celebrate the big moments of our lives in restaurants, from birthdays and new jobs to wedding receptions and anniversaries. Getting dressed up, spending money and being treated well at a top-notch restaurant makes any special occasion more special.

This month offers chocolate cappuccino Peeps cake with the Easter Bunny, vegetarian Gold Star for Lent and relaxed requirements for food stamps. What more could we ask for? Not all Easter brunches are created equal, but if you go to Mokka, Grand Finale, Greyhound Tavern or Orchids at Palm Court, you know you’ll get a good one.

If you like your burger with a little Magic seasoning, then you already know about Fatburger (3158 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-871-8722). This Southern California-based chain is partly owned by Magic Johnson and other celebs - including Kanye West, Pharrell, Queen Latifah and Montel Williams - and is franchising across the country.